Here's the thing.
Back in the day they were dirt cheap. And so was the ammo. No brainer, right?
Now, not so much either way.
But anyone remember those $99 Nagant pistols from AIM? That now sell for, uh, twice as much if you can find them?
I will argue that the 91/30 is still the cheapest way into big bore (non poodle-shooter cartridges) firearms at a reasonable price. Ammo, relatively speaking, is still cheap, too. Not as cheap as it once was but cheaper BY FAR than, say, uh, .303, 8mm, 30:06, .308, 7.5x55, dare I say more?
I just got a 91/30 a few months ago and haven't had a chance to explore her abilities but I guarantee when I do it will cost me less than all those mentioned above.
Plus, owning a piece of military history; a wood and metal rifle, that appeals to me.